Morning Five Hour Detroit River Fishing Charter
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fivehour morning charter targeting walleye on Detroit RiverProfessional guidance for experienced anglers starting 7:00 AMPrivate trip accommodates three guests with gear provided
If you're serious about your angling and want to test your skills on one of the Great Lakes' most productive waters, this morning charter on the Detroit River is calling your name. Starting at 7:00 AM, you'll spend five solid hours targeting walleye and other seasonal favorites with Big EZ Charters LLC. This isn't a hand-holding trip for beginners – it's designed for experienced anglers who know their way around a rod and want to dial in their techniques on world-class fishing grounds. With space for up to three guests at $475, plus $100 for each additional angler, you're getting premium access to some of the best walleye waters in the region.
The Detroit River connects Lake Huron to Lake Erie, creating a unique ecosystem that's absolutely loaded with fish year-round. Your captain knows every drop-off, current break, and structure that holds fish along this 28-mile stretch of water. You'll be working waters that range from shallow flats perfect for jigging to deeper channels where trolling shines. The river's constant flow keeps baitfish moving, which means predators are always on the hunt. Don't be surprised if you mark massive schools of emerald shiners on the sonar – that's when you know the walleye aren't far behind. The early morning start puts you on prime feeding times when fish are most active, especially during those golden hours just after sunrise when the bite really turns on.
All your gear is provided, but seasoned anglers often bring their favorite rods because they know what feels right in their hands. You'll likely be working a mix of techniques depending on conditions and what the fish are telling you. Jigging with blade baits and swimbaits is deadly when walleye are holding tight to bottom structure. Trolling becomes the go-to method when covering water to locate active schools, especially using harnesses tipped with crawlers or pulling crankbaits at varying depths. The Detroit River's current means you're constantly adjusting your presentation – drift speeds, lure weights, and trolling directions all factor into success. Your guide reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the trip, sharing insights about seasonal patterns, preferred depths, and which presentations are producing. This hands-on approach helps experienced anglers fine-tune their skills while putting more fish in the boat.
Walleye are the crown jewel of Detroit River fishing, and for good reason. These golden-sided fighters typically run 2-6 pounds here, with occasional monsters pushing 8-10 pounds that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall offers consistent action, but late spring and early summer are absolutely phenomenal when post-spawn walleye feed heavily to regain their strength. They're notorious for their delicate bite – you might feel just a slight tick or see your line barely twitch before setting the hook. Once hooked, walleye make strong initial runs and have a habit of throwing hooks if you're not careful with your drag settings. What makes them so popular isn't just the fight – these fish are absolutely delicious table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish fries.
Lake Sturgeon represent the ultimate prize fish for any serious angler visiting the Detroit River. These prehistoric giants can live over 100 years and reach massive proportions – we're talking fish that can stretch 6-8 feet and weigh 100+ pounds. The Detroit River is one of the few places where sturgeon populations are actually recovering thanks to conservation efforts. These bottom-feeders cruise deep channels and are typically caught while targeting other species, making every hook-up a complete surprise. When you connect with a sturgeon, you know it immediately – they'll strip line like a freight train and fight with incredible power. Most anglers practice catch-and-release with these ancient fish since they're so slow to mature and reproduce. Landing a Detroit River sturgeon is a legitimate once-in-a-lifetime experience that you'll be talking about for years.
This top-rated morning charter fills up fast, especially during peak fishing months when the walleye bite is hot. The 7:00 AM start time means you're hitting prime feeding windows while avoiding afternoon boat traffic that can push fish deeper. At $475 for up to three anglers, you're getting exceptional value for five hours of guided fishing on renowned waters. Remember to contact Big EZ Charters before booking to confirm availability and current conditions – experienced guides always adjust their approach based on weather, water temperature, and recent fishing reports. The meeting location and final details get sorted after booking, ensuring everything runs smoothly on your fishing day. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – skilled anglers know that consistent action on the Detroit River makes this one of the best charter experiences in the Great Lakes region.
Your fishing platform for this Detroit River adventure is Big EZ Charters' 2002 Lund 2075 Pro V Magnum - a serious angler's boat built for results. Twin Mercury 225s give you the power to cover water quickly while the precision trolling motor lets you work structure and drop-offs with finesse when targeting walleye. This Pro V hull cuts through Detroit River chop like butter, keeping you comfortable during long drifts and giving you a stable casting platform when the fish are biting. With room for three anglers, there's plenty of space to work lines without getting tangled up, plus storage for all your tackle and the day's catch. The boat's design handles everything the Detroit River throws at it - from current breaks near the shipping channels to shallow flats where the walleye feed. Whether you're jigging bottom structure or pulling spinners, this Lund puts you in position to make the most of your five hours on one of the Great Lakes' premier fisheries.
Acipenser FulvescensLake Sturgeon are living dinosaurs - literally prehistoric fish that can live over 100 years. In the Detroit River, most run 3-5 feet and 30-80 pounds, but giants over 100 pounds still cruise these waters. They're bottom dwellers, using their whisker-like barbels to hunt crawfish, worms, and small fish in deep holes and rocky areas. Spring spawning runs bring the best action when they're active in shallower water. What's the draw? Landing one is like hooking into a submarine - pure power and endurance. Plus, the meat makes excellent eating and the eggs become premium caviar. These fish are heavily regulated, so catch-and-release is often required. My tip: use heavy tackle with a glob of nightcrawlers on bottom, and bring gloves - those bony plates are sharp. Patience pays off with sturgeon.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the bread and butter of Detroit River fishing. These golden-colored fish with their distinctive glassy eyes typically run 15-25 inches here, though we see plenty in the 3-5 pound range. They're structure huggers - look for them around rocky drop-offs, deep holes, and weed edges during the day. The real magic happens at dawn and dusk when they move shallow to feed. Spring through fall offers solid action, but early morning trips in spring and late fall produce the best results. What makes walleye special? They fight smart, not just hard, and they're hands-down the best eating fish in these waters. That flaky, mild meat is worth the effort. Pro tip: in the Detroit River's current, use a three-way rig with a minnow or crawler and let it drift naturally along the bottom structure.
Detroit River